High tempo Hockey against Hampstead & Westminster

Henley started the game well, matching the high pace set by the well drilled opposition. The high work rate was rewarded with a number of penalty corners which without key corner specialists Kat Green, Emma Walker and Sophie Hoskins, Henley were unable to convert. The unseasonably high temperature caused Henley to tire and they conceded a penalty corner which Hampstead were able to take advantage of and score. Another burst of speed from a Hampstead forward forced defender Emily Ackland to make a crucial goal saving tackle, for which the umpire awarded a penalty flick. Strong leadership from vice captain Lou England persuaded the umpire to downgrade the offence to a penalty corner which Henley defended well. Henley finished the first half with excellent movement up the pitch; forward Emma Buckham-Hedges playing the ball effortlessly to Charlotte Cockerton who faced a one on one with the Hampstead goal keeper, who took the fast paced forward instead of the ball. Once again Henley were unable to take advantage of the resulting penalty corner and entered the second half one nil down.

In the second half the fit Hampstead side adopted an aggressive press and Henley struggled to find outlets going forward. Attacking runs from wingback and man of the match Jem Barham provided some attacking options which Henley were unable to convert. Henley tired further and despite excellent defending from goal keeper Hannah Lavis, Kath Draycott and Karen Walker, Hampstead scored their second from a well executed attack.

Player coach Jen Buckham-Hedges was pleased with the team performance which saw spells of free flowing, attacking hockey. The Henley side face Oxford Hawks at home on Saturday, 1.30pm pushback.

Written by Kath Draycott